Dew point calculation

[baggywrinkle]

I will place this here and in the science section as it covers both areas.

The link below will take you to a piece of free software that can be put on your desktop as well as iPhone or Android.

Though it was primary written for calculation of moisture in industrial and natural gas the first page might prove useful for helping to predict or warn of those conditions where the dreaded dew condenses onto your 'scope.

http://michell.com/uk/support/sware-downloads.htm

Go to humidity calculator.

Once installed use the first button and drop down the Rh calculation page.

This will ask for two inputs, ambient condition and the %Rh at the time. You might need to get the %Rh from the local met bureau or if you have one a reasonable hygrometer. Be aware the very low cost ones (sub £20) are likely to be only +/-10 to 15% accurate.

Enter the two numbers and press the calculate button.

The dew point will then appear.

This will be the temperature that will be the onset point for condensation to occur.

E.g Enter 15 C as ambient temp and 55% Rh. The dewpoint of +6.03 Deg C will appear. That means is the temperature at which condensate will occur.

Remember the ambient could also be the body temperature of your warm scope taken from indoors to outdoors, if outdoors is cooler and hits the dp you will get dew forming on the warm scope as there is an almost step change in temperature. The same can happen in reverse. Cold scope taken into a warm indoors. The answer to that is to upset the Mrs and turn off all the heating... some things are worth saving....

I know it is pointing out the obvious but of the scope is set up before there are sudden temp changes then the risk of formation of dew is much reduced as the scope gets a chance to equilibriate.

[Double Kick Drum]

Thanks

A nice little bit of kit.